evolve present two one-act plays depicting the early 20th Century period of civil and industrial unrest which culminated in the First World War. Thought provoking, moving and creatively staged these plays are based on true stories and performed by members of the evolve acting programmes run in Chorley Theatre Studio
With two plays in one evening, the production runs for just four nights from 2nd July. Staged in our Studio, spaces are limited.
Pankhurst
The story of Emmeline Pankhurst who became a lead campaigner for the women’s fight to get the right to vote. She advocated ‘deeds’ not ‘words’ – direct action, to enable her and the women who followed her to get what they wanted. Her tactics were controversial but ultimately led to a successful campaign.
The Chorley Pals
A journal from the 1980s contains an interview with great grandad Bill, a surviving member of the Chorley Pals. The interview highlights life in Chorley before World War One. It paints a picture of the social issues of the time – working conditions, the rise of the unions, the role of women and the conscientious objectors who opposed the war. The story leads us all the way to that fateful morning on the Somme on 1st July 1916.
Both plays are written and directed by Mark Jones, (who was CADOS Artistic Director for over 11 years). He has reimagined and re-designed them from the full-length versions which he wrote and directed for the Chorley Theatre stage – ‘Deeds not Words’ (2022) and the multi-award winning ‘Pals’ (2016). The plays will be performed by the members of the ‘evolve’ acting programmes.
Both plays can be seen together on the same night over four performances – from Wednesday 2nd to Saturday 5th July 2025, in the studio at Chorley Theatre. Start time – 7.30pm (total time 2 ½ hours, including an interval).
Tickets priced at £10 per person. Unreserved Seating
Wednesday 2nd July – BOOK HERE
Thursday 3rd July – BOOK HERE
Friday 4th July – BOOK HERE
Saturday 5 July – BOOK HERE
‘evolve’ is owned by husband and wife team – Mark and Zoe Jones, who have decades of involvement at Chorley Theatre. Mark has directed 19 productions over a 20-year period at Chorley Theatre, 10 of those productions were written by him, including his last production ‘Lucan’ which was performed in October 2024. He is also a qualified ‘people specialist’ with over 30 years working to develop the skills and behaviours of people of all ages. ‘evolve’ was set up in 2021, their main aim is to provide a safe environment where people can express themselves, be creative, use their imagination, build their confidence and have fun!
Full details of everything they offer can be found here:- https://form.jotform.com/240676398713063
